Social Media, Civic Engagement and Public Spheres

Abstract

In the era of information superhighway, the development and expansion of social media has led to major changes in field of communication, society and democracy. The social media has created a worldwide forum for dialogue and has generated informed citizenry. Human beings are social creatures, hence, are dedicated to creating and participating in “social networks” in order to express and share their ideas. With the rise of the internet, people began satisfying this natural necessity in online communities such as internet forums. The evolution of these social forums resulted in today’s global social networking. Social media with the following characteristics makes it even more interesting mass media: participation in social media encourages contributions and feedback. It blurs the line between media and audience. Openness- most social media services are open to feedback and participation. SNSs encourage voting, comments and the sharing of information. There are rarely any barriers to accessing and making use of content. Conversation whereas traditional media is about “broadcast” (content transmitted or distributed to an audience) social media is better seen as a two-way conversation. Community social media allows communities to form quickly and communicate effectively. Thus, social media offers cheap, decentralized, two-way communication. social media not only encourage public discourse, but it also allows individuals to actively participate in civic activities.